Wall-mounted home fitness training equipment

ABSTRACT

An overall fitness trainer and can be a wall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance bands as well as other techniques. These bands generally clip on the unit and onto different handles, bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unit can have a removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It also includes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up and down a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the carriage and allows the user to attach the bands at multiple angles, widths and levels. This in turn increases the number of exercises the user can perform on the unit. The unit also typically has an o ring that attaches through the arm of the pull up attachment as well as a ½ O-ring at the bottom of the unit again increasing the number of exercises the user can perform. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two or more studs. Some embodiments of the invention have an adjustable swivel foot that takes the stress off of the lag bolts and also adds to the overall load capacity of the unit. The apparatus typically has an optional telescoping central vertical spine that splits in two pieces to make the unit easier to ship. The central vertical spine allows attachments to be added and removed using spring loaded pins or plunger pins. Various embodiments of the invention can have an oscillating and telescopic bench, a dip bar, a seat, a knee stabilizer and a foot rest. All of these accessories can be attached and removed to the central spine adding to the versatility and scope of exercises that can be performed.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of home exerciseequipment and more particularly to a wall-mounted home fitness unit withremovable parts that adapts to numerous different exercises.

2. Description of the Prior Art

It is known in the art to provide exercise equipment into the home whichcan be wall-mounted. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,339,125 teaches asingle column exercising apparatus using a stack of weights. U.S. Pat.No. 5,383,525 teaches a wall-mounted shower exercise machine used forstretching muscles. U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,504 teaches an adjustableexercise device that uses a two-ended cable for providing resistance topulling. U.S. Pat. No. 6,328,679 teaches a wall-mountable device thatuses a horizontal hinge rod assembly with springs. U.S. publishedapplication 2001/0004624 teaches a body exerciser that leans against awall. U.S. published application 2003/0158024 teaches a door mountedexercise device that allows pulling on bungee cords. None of these priorart systems allow parts to be removed and exchanged for differentexercises. Also most of the prior art wall-mounted home systems do notallow adjustment for different users and for causing different musclesto be exercised. It would be advantageous to have a wall-mounted, homeexercise system that overcomes the difficulties of prior art systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an overall fitness trainer and can be awall mounted unit that can utilize clip resistance bands as well asother techniques. These bands generally clip on the unit and ontodifferent handles, bars and attachments to perform exercises. The unitcan have a removable/adjustable pull up bar, dip bar and seat. It alsoincludes a spring loaded, pull pin carriage that moves freely up anddown a vertical spine. This allows for easy adjustment of the carriageand allows the user to attach the bands at multiple angles, widths andlevels. This in turn increases the number of exercises the user canperform on the unit. The unit also typically has an o ring that attachesthrough the arm of the pull up attachment as well as a ½ O-ring at thebottom of the unit again increasing the number of exercises the user canperform. The unit can be attached to the wall with lag bolts into two ormore studs with two being preferred. Some embodiments of the presentinvention have an adjustable swivel foot that takes the stress off ofthe lag bolts and also adds to the overall load capacity of the unit.The present invention typically has an optional telescoping centralvertical spine that splits in two pieces to make the unit easier toship. The central vertical spine allows attachments to be added andremoved using spring loaded pins or plunger pins. Various embodiments ofthe invention can have an oscillating and telescopic bench, a dip bar, aseat, a knee stabilizer and a foot rest. All of these accessories can beattached and removed to the central spine adding to the versatility andscope of exercises that can be performed. The present invention issuitable for physical therapy/rehabilitation facilities, commercial gymsand schools, as well as home use.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Attention is directed to several figures that illustrate the concepts ofthe present invention:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention with several accessories attached.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 with several metal accessories onthe vertical spine.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of the embodiment of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 shows a user facing the unit performing an exercise.

FIG. 6 shows a particular embodiment of a two-piece spine.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of a removable horizontal bar.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of a removable arm bar.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle cuff.

FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the invention with a baseball bat.

FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of the invention with a baseball.

FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention with the bench attached andextended.

FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for chest presses.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for chin-ups.

FIG. 15 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for curls.

FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the invention with a football.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the invention with a golf club.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the invention with a plyo ball.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a single curl.

FIG. 20 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a squat.

FIG. 21 shows an embodiment of the invention arranged for a tricepexercise.

Several drawings and illustrations have been presented to aid inunderstanding the present invention. The scope of the present inventionis not limited to what is shown in the figures.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a wall-mountable home fitness orexercise apparatus and method that allows a user to perform numerousexercises on the same piece of equipment by simply changing outaccessory parts. The unit generally has a single rigid central spine. Atwo inch rectangular steel channel is preferred; however, any strongvertical member can be used. Onto this spine, a group of removableaccessories can be attached or removed at will. Several differentelastic cord attachments and attachment points inject resistance intovarious exercises. At least the following accessories can be used withthe present invention: straight bar with ½ O-ring and outer attachments,leg press, ankle cuffs, Ab blaster/leg extension, single Handle, curlbar, rope, bench, step, Ab slings, Plyo ball, boxing gloves w/sewn inD-ring, base ball bat handle, golf handle, baseball/softball andfootball. It should be noted that the abbreviation Ab means abdomen.

Turning to FIG. 1, a portion of a wall 1 and a floor 2 can be seen. Avertical spine 3 is securely attached to the wall 1. At the top of thespine 3, an outward hanging portion 10 allows attachment of variousitems such as a bungie 19 and bar 15, a boxing bag or punching bag, orother device. Further down the spine 3, a horizontal bar 7 is shown witha bungie 18 and hand pull 16. Further down, a set of arm bars 6 and backrest 5 can be seen. Still further down, a seat 4 is attached. Each ofthese attachments shown can slide up and down on the spine 3. Inaddition, each attachment or accessory can be removed using a pin orspring-loaded pull pin, where the pin inserts in a hole 12 in the spine3. In particular, any of the accessories can be arranged vertically inany order. The order shown in FIG. 1 is simply to illustrate aparticular configuration of the device.

FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 without the bungies. Here severalstud mounts or stud plates 14 can be seen. These are typically chosen toreach between two studs so that secure mounting can be made with a pairof lag bolts on each of these stud mounts 14. The embodiment of FIG. 2has three stud mounts 14 vertically along the spine 3. Shown also inFIG. 2 is a ring 11 attached to the center of the horizontal bar 7.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-2. The stud mounts14 can be clearly seen against the wall 1. Each of the attachments oraccessories can have a partial or full channel to fit around the spine3. The seat has a channel 8; the arm bar a channel 12; the horizontalbar has a channel 13. The top extension 10 can also be removed verticalfrom the spine 3. In FIG. 3, the ring 11 on the horizontal bar can beseen as well as a ring or half-ring 17 on the top extension 10. Otherrings or attachments may be built into various accessories.

FIG. 4 shows a straight-on front view of the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3.The stud mounts 14 can be seen. It should be noted that the stud mounts14 can be of any length to fit any types of studs or to attach to morethan two studs. While two studs are preferred for strength and ease ofmounting, any number of studs is within the scope of the presentinvention. FIG. 4 also shows a pull-up bar 9 mounted to the top of theunit onto the top extension 10 (see FIGS. 1-3).

FIG. 5 shows a stick-figure user performing one particular exercise. Itshould be noted that the apparatus and method of the present inventionallows numerous different exercises to be performed. A complete list ofexercises supported by the present invention can be found at the end ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 6 shows a detail of a particular embodiment and realization of thevertical spine 3. This particular embodiment allows the spine 3 to besplit into an upper part 3 a and a lower part 3 b for ease of packingand shipping. The two parts of the spine can be coupled together withbolts for strength or by any other strong coupling method. Theparticular embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has dimensions to aid in theunderstanding of the invention. These dimensions are for example only;any dimensions are within the scope of the present invention. These arepreferred dimensions; however, many different dimensions may be used. Inthis particular example, both the top and bottom half-spines are 36inches long. Each has holes 2 inches apart, and each hole is 0.44 inchin diameter.

FIG. 7 shows a detail of an embodiment of the horizontal bar 7. Here apartial channel 20 allows it to be inserted and removed from thevertical spine 3 (shown in FIG. 2). A spring-loaded pull pin 23 allowsthe bar 7 to be moved vertically along the spine 3 and to be removed.Each end of the bar 7 has attachment points 22 for bungies or otherexercise accessories. The center of the bar 7 can be optionally equippedwith a half-ring 21 and a full ring 11.

FIG. 8 shows a detail of an embodiment of an arm bar 6. The bar 6 canhave flat plates 15 which can hold pads or soft rolls to protect thearm. A half channel 25 allows attachment and removal from the spine 3(see FIG. 2). Fittings 24 can hold vertical handles.

FIG. 9 shows an embodiment of the invention with an ankle cuff 26. Herethe user stands and can pull the cuff 26 against a bungie. FIG. 10 showsan embodiment with a baseball bat 27. A standing user can swing the bat27 into a bungie. FIG. 11 shows a baseball 39 attached to a bungie. Astanding user can practices throwing the ball 39 against the force ofthe bungie. FIG. 12 shows an embodiment of the invention fully benched.A seat 29, back 28 and legs 30 from a sitting bench that can be used inmany exercises or with weights. The back 28 and seat 29 can be adjustedboth in angle and height. FIG. 13 shows an arrangement of the device setup for chest presses. A bar 31 can be pressed outward against a bungie.FIG. 14 shows an arrangement set up for chin-ups. A standing user canchin themselves vertically on the bar 9. FIG. 15 shows a set up forcurls using the bar 32. FIG. 16 shows an embodiment of the inventionwith a football 33. A standing user can pass the football 33 against theforce of the bungie. FIG. 17 shows a set up with a golf club 34. Here anindividual can swing the club 34 into the force of the bungie. FIG. 18shows a set up with a plyo ball 35. The user can manipulate the ball 35against the force of the bungie. FIG. 19 shows a set up for a singlecurl using a hand grip 18 that works against the force of a bungie. FIG.20 shows an embodiment of the invention set up for squats. A strap 36and pad 37 allow the user to perform squats. FIG. 21 shows a setup witha special handle 38 for a tricep exercise.

The present invention forms a complete system that can accommodatenumerous exercises by simply changing the arrangement. The frame canmount simply to the wall in a garage, house or other building.

Several descriptions and illustrations have been presented to aid inunderstanding the present invention. One skilled in the art will realizethat numerous changes and variations are possible without departing fromthe spirit of the invention. Each of these changes and variations iswithin the scope of the present invention.

List of Exercises Supported by the Present Invention Chest Exercises

-   1 Arm Standing Chest Press w/ Handle-   Standing Chest Press w/ Straight Bar-   Close Grip Bench Press Curl Bar-   Standing Chest Fly w/ Handles-   Seated Incline Bench Press Straight Bar-   Seated Incline Bench Fly w/ Handles-   Seated Bench Press w/ Straight Bar-   Seated Bench Press w/ Handles-   Seated Bench Flies w/ Handles-   Dips on Dip Bar attachment-   Single Arm Chest Fly w/ Handle Perpendicular to Machine-   2 Handled Chest Squeeze-   Pullovers w/ handles or straight bar-   Cable Cross Over Handles-   Elevated Resistance Push Ups (Feet on Bench)

Back Exercises

-   High Standing Row Straight Bar-   Reverse Grip High Standing Row Straight Bar-   One arm high row handle-   One arm low row handle-   Straight Arm Pull Downs Straight Bar-   Low Pulley Row sitting on Step Handle or Straight Bar-   Wide Handled Reverse Fly Handles-   Seated One Arm Pull Down Handle-   Seated Pulldown Straight Bar-   Wide Bent Over Row Straight Bar-   Good Mornings Straight Bar or Rope-   Pull Ups-   Chin Ups-   Back Hyper extensions-   Lat Pull Over on Bench Handles

Biceps

-   Standing Curls Straight Bar-   Standing Curls Curl Bar-   1 Arm Alternating Standing Curl Handles At multiple angles-   2 Arm Standing Curls Handles-   1 Arm Hammer Curl-   1 Arm Handled Concentration Curl-   High Handled Curl-   High Curl Bar-   Seated Curl Back To Machine-   Incline Handled Curl

Triceps

-   Push Downs Curl Bar-   Push Downs Straight Bar-   Push Downs Rope-   Incline French Presses Curl Bar or Handles-   Flat French Presses Curl Bar or Handles-   Reverse Grip Pushdowns Curl Bar-   1 Arm Seated Tricep Extensions-   1 Arm Handled Reverse Grip Pushdown-   Standing Tricep Extension Back To Machine Rope/Curl Bar-   1 Arm Kick Backs Handle-   2 Arm Kick Backs Facing Machine Curl Bar-   Dips-   Bench Dips-   Cross Body Tricep Extension Handles-   Close Grip Bench Press Bar

Shoulders

-   Seated Shoulder Press Bar-   1 Arm Handled Shoulder Press-   1 Arm Handled Arnold Shoulder Press-   Upright Rows Bar-   Upright Rows Handle-   1 Arm Handled Lateral Raises-   2 Arm Straight Bar Frontal Raises-   1 Arm Handled Frontal Raises-   Bent Over Flies Handled-   Handled External Shoulder Rotation-   Handled Shoulder Rotation Lying Down-   Standing Military Press Bar-   Handled Internal Shoulder Rotation-   Shrugs Bar-   Elevated Push Ups W/ or W/O Band Resistance

Legs

-   Squat Bar W/ Resistance-   Squat In U-Can Squat Belt-   1 Legged Squat In U-Can Squat Belt-   Squats W/ Handled Resistance-   Lunges Bar-   Lunges Handled Resistance-   Standing Leg Curls-   Toe Raises In U Can Squat Belt-   Toes Raises Bar/Handles-   Straight Leg Dead Lift Bar-   Standing Leg Curl Ankle Strap-   Standing Leg Kick Ankle Strap-   Standing Knee Ups Ankle Strap-   Lying Down Single Leg Raise Ankle Strap-   Lying On Side Single Leg Raise-   Leg Raises Incredi-ab Attachment/Ankle Strap-   Standing Leg Abductor Ankle Strap-   Twisting Leg Raises on Dip Attachment-   Seated Leg Extensions Incredi-ab or Ankle Strap-   Standing Leg Adductor Ankle Strap

Abs

-   Crunches On Knees Facing Unit Rope-   Resistance Crunches on Bench Rope/Multiple Angles-   Crunches With Exercise Ball and Band Resistance-   Hanging Leg Raises Pull Up Bar-   Knee Ups Sitting on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment-   Oblique Knee Ups on Bench Incredi-ab Attachment-   Bridged Leg Lifts Ankle Strap-   Russian Twist Medicine Ball & Resistance Bands-   Diagonal Chops Medicine Ball & Resistance Bands-   Forward Facing Chops Medicine Ball & Resistance Bands-   Standing Arm Rotation Handle-   Standing Rotational Chops Ball Handle-   Captain's Chair Exercise on Dip Bar Back Support-   Resistance Side Bends-   Seated Ab Twist

Sports Specific

-   Baseball Throw-   Softball Throw-   Football Throw-   Golf Swing-   Baseball Swing-   Boxing Punch Training Gloves w/ D Ring-   Heavy Bag Station Attach Bag to Pull Up Arm-   Kicking Training Ankle Bands

1. A wall mounted exercise unit comprising a single vertical spineadapted to be mounted to at least one wall stud, said vertical spinehaving a top and bottom end; a horizontal bar removably and slidinglyattached to said vertical spine, said horizontal bar adapted forattachment of a plurality of accessories; an arm bar removably andslidingly attached to said vertical spine, said arm bar having arm restsand hold bars; an extension section attached to the top of said verticalspine, said extension section extending outward from said verticalspine, said extension section being adapted for attachment of aplurality of accessories; a pull-up bar removably attached to saidextension section; and wherein, said plurality of accessories includesat least one accessory chosen from the group consisting of leg press,ankle cuffs, leg extension, single handle, curl bar, bench, step, sling,plyo ball, baseball bat, golf club, baseball and football.
 2. Theexercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a rigid yoke attached tosaid extension section or said horizontal bar with at least one elasticcord.
 3. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a pull handleattached to said horizontal bar with at least one elastic cord.
 4. Theexercise unit of claim 1 wherein said vertical spine includes at leastone stud plate.
 5. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising aseat removably and slidingly attached to said vertical spine.
 6. Theexercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a backrest attached to saidarm bar.
 7. The exercise unit of claim 1 further comprising a backrestremovably and slidingly attached to said vertical spine.
 8. The exerciseunit of claim 1, wherein said plurality of accessories includes at leastone device attached with an elastic cord.
 9. The exercise unit of claim1 wherein said plurality of accessories includes at least one ball.10-11. (canceled)
 12. The exercise unit of claim 1, wherein saidvertical spine comprises two parts. 13-16. (canceled)
 17. A method ofhome fitness and exercise comprising the steps of: attaching a verticalspine to wall studs on an interior wall; removably attaching a slidinghorizontal bar to said vertical spine; removably attaching an arm bar tosaid vertical spine; removably attaching an extension member to a topend of said vertical spine; removably attaching at least one of aplurality of accessories to either said horizontal bar, said verticalspine or said extension member with an elastic cord: performing one ormore exercises using said at least one of said plurality of accessories,wherein said plurality of accessories includes an accessory chosen fromthe group consisting of leg press, ankle cuffs, leg extension, singlehandle, curl bar, rope, bench, step, sling, plyo ball, baseball bat,golf club, baseball, bench and football. 18-19. (canceled)
 20. A wallmounted exercise unit comprising: a single vertical spine adapted to bemounted to at least one wall stud, said vertical spine having a top andbottom end; a horizontal bar removably and slidingly attached to saidvertical spine, said horizontal bar adapted for attachment of aplurality of accessories, each of said removable accessories beingattached with at least one elastic cord; an arm bar removably andslidingly attached to said vertical spine, said arm bar having arm restsand hold bars; an extension section attached to the top of said verticalspine, said extension section extending outward from said verticalspine, said extension section being adapted for attachment of aplurality of removable accessories, each of said removable accessoriesbeing attached with at least one elastic cord; a pull-up bar removablyattached to said extension section.
 21. The wall mounted exercise unitof claim 20 wherein said removable accessories include a baseball bat.22. The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said removableaccessories include a golf club.
 23. The wall mounted exercise unit ofclaim 20 wherein said removable accessories include a baseball.
 24. Thewall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said removableaccessories include a football.
 25. The wall mounted exercise unit ofclaim 20 wherein said removable accessories include an ankle cuff. 26.The wall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said removableaccessories include a plyo ball.
 27. The wall mounted exercise unit ofclaim 20 wherein said removable accessories include a curl bar.
 28. Thewall mounted exercise unit of claim 20 wherein said removableaccessories include a single handle.